38. Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race

38th Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race is an open water swimming event organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TNOC) on 23 August 2026 across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. The race course begins at Kanlıca on the Anatolian Side and ends at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park on the European Side, covering a distance of approximately 6.5 kilometers. In this race connecting Asia and Europe, swimmers proceed with the Bosphorus current behind them and use the Istanbul coastlines as guides.

The Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race was first held in 1989 with the participation of 200 athletes. Organized annually by the Turkish National Olympic Committee, this prestigious event aims to promote the spirit of Olympism and international friendship. In the past, the event has been selected by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) as "Open Water Swimming Event of the Year" and ranked at the top of the list of "The World's 100 Best Open Water Swimming Races". Participants who successfully complete the race are awarded the title of "Intercontinental Swimmer".

To participate in the 38th Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race, specific performance and licensing requirements must be met. The rules and application conditions for participants are as follows:

• Licensing and Documentation Requirement: All competitors must be licensed swimmers. Turkish participants must have taken part in the selection races and provide documentation proving prior participation in other competitions.
• Selection Races: Following registration opening in January, selection races were held in four to five different cities including Ankara, Izmir and Istanbul to identify candidates capable of swimming the Bosphorus. A minimum performance standard is required for candidates to qualify for the Bosphorus swim.
• Application Process: Initial applications for the 38th race were accepted between 22 April 2026 and 31 May 2026 via the website bogazici.olimpiyat.org.tr. The registration opening date was set for 17 April 2026. Anyone meeting the age, health and swimming ability requirements is eligible to apply.
• Age Categories: There are 12 separate categories for men and women. In the 2026 race, the 14–18 age group includes participants born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012.

Capacity Limitation: To ensure safety and comfort, participation capacity has been limited. For the 2026 race, a total of 2,500 athletes have been allocated. Of this capacity, 1,250 are Turkish and 1,250 are foreign swimmers. Participation is expected from 64 different countries, with Russia sending the largest number of participants. Additionally, swimmers from many regions of the world including the United States and the United Kingdom will take part in the event.

Accreditation procedures for swimmers will be conducted at the accreditation area set up at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park. The 2026 accreditation schedule and hours are as follows:

• Thursday, 20 August 2026: 10:00 – 19:00
• Friday, 21 August 2026: 10:00 – 19:00
• Saturday, 22 August 2026: 10:00 – 19:00
• Sunday, 23 August 2026: 07:00 – 08:30

Swimmers who complete accreditation will receive a personalized event bag containing the following items:

• A special cap with race number,
• A special chip-equipped wristband assigned to the swimmer,
• A mandatory safety buoy to be worn during the race,
• A mandatory swimmer identification badge to be worn outside the race area,
• An informational note with important race instructions, a commemorative T-shirt, and a pair of slippers for use within the event area.

No replacements are available for lost or damaged items. At the accreditation area, informational and course introduction videos will be displayed on large screens for swimmers to view.

For the 38th Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race, rules and equipment standards have been strictly defined by the organizing committee. To prevent injuries during the start, the use of certain accessories and jewelry is completely prohibited. Accordingly, swimmers are not permitted to wear watches or other timing devices, recording devices, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, long fingernails or artificial nails during the race.

The use of any device intended to assist swimming, enhance speed or improve endurance is prohibited. Swimmers are permitted to use only swimming goggles, nose clips and earplugs. Under swimwear standards, all textile swimwear is permitted, while swimwear made of rubber or neoprene is strictly prohibited.

To enhance race safety and improve the visibility of swimmers along the course, the use of a safety buoy is mandatory for all participants. Buoy standards and usage guidelines are as follows:

• Attachment Method: The buoy must be securely fastened to the swimmer’s waist using a belt prior to the start. The connecting strap must be adjusted to a length that does not restrict movement, and the buoy must trail freely behind the swimmer.
• Carrying Restrictions: It is strictly prohibited to carry the buoy in hand, wear it on the back, or attach any personal items such as bags, towels or other materials to it.
• Inspection Responsibility: Participants are responsible for inspecting the buoy’s belt, connecting strap, valve and overall condition before the race. Any buoy that is damaged, torn or leaking air must not be used.
• Purpose of Use: The buoy must not be used for resting or waiting during the race except under instructions from safety boats.
• Penalties: Swimmers who fail to wear the buoy according to regulations or arrive at the start line without it will not be allowed on the boats and will be disqualified. Swimmers who reach the finish line without the buoy will also be disqualified.

There are 12 separate age categories for men and women. Categories are classified alphabetically by age group as follows:

• A (14–18), B (19–23), C (25–29), D (30–34), E (35–39), F (40–44), G (45–49), H (50–54), I (55–59), J (60–64), K (65–69) and L (70+).

The award system varies by category:

• Overall and Age Group Rankings: The top three finishers in the overall rankings for men and women will receive medals and trophies. In age group categories, the first, second and third place swimmers will receive medals.
• Special Status for 70+ Age Group: There are no first, second or third place medal awards for the 70+ (L) category for either men or women. Every swimmer who participates and successfully completes the course in this category will be awarded a "Finisher Medal".

To ensure discipline and safety, penalties are imposed on swimmers who violate the rules:

• Buoy Violations: Removing, detaching or misusing the buoy during the race constitutes immediate disqualification. Swimmers who violate these rules will not only be disqualified but also banned from participating in the next year’s Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race.
• Boat Interior Violations: Swimmers who fail to comply with onboard announcements on the city ferry boats departing from Kuruçeşme will be disqualified by the judges on board.
• Start Area Violations: Swimmers who engage in unsportsmanlike conduct toward other participants during the start on the starting platform will be disqualified based on the judges’ assessment.
• Time Limit and Evacuation Violations: The official race duration ends two hours after the last swimmer enters the water. Swimmers who fail to comply with the command "exit the water" after this time, as issued by the commodore, will be disqualified.

1. The race day program for the Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race begins early in the morning at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park. The official schedule for the event day is as follows:
2. 06:30: Event area opens.
3. 07:30: Swimmer locker rooms open.
4. 07:30 – 08:40: Swimmers board the race boats.
5. 08:40: Race boats depart from Cemil Topuzlu Park.
6. 10:00: The race begins with the start signal at Kanlıca Ferry Pier.
7. 11:30: The award ceremony takes place after the official race duration ends.

Swimmers gathered at the event area in Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park are transported to Kanlıca Ferry Pier using two large vessels operated by Şehir Hatları. Starting at 07:30, swimmers are boarded onto the boats according to their cap numbers. Boarding procedures are carried out sequentially following electronic barrier verification, electronic checkpoint authentication and judge inspections. Swimmers must remain in their assigned areas on the boat until the start. Swimmers who violate onboard rules and regulations will be disqualified by judges on board. To maintain hygiene and operational standards, toilets on the boats are closed before the race; swimmers are advised to use restroom facilities at the Kuruçeşme event area. Boarding is finalized at 08:40, doors are closed, and swimmers who fail to board on time are disqualified from the race.

The race start is conducted via a specially constructed platform at Kanlıca Ferry Pier. At 10:00, when the starting horn sounds, the barrier tape in front of the platform is removed and swimmers enter the water. Swimmers are required to secure their safety buoys under their armpits before jumping from the magnetic mat. For swimmers who choose not to jump, a floating dock beside the platform provides a controlled entry into the water. Immediately in front of the platform, RFID magnetic mats interact with the chip-equipped wristbands of each swimmer to individually initiate their personal race times. Therefore, swimmers must avoid any contact with the magnetic mats before the start. It is emphasized that early entry into the water provides no time advantage, as each swimmer’s time is recorded individually. Swimmers who obstruct others or engage in unsportsmanlike conduct during the start will be disqualified by the start judges.

The race course consists of a 6.5-kilometer open water route from Kanlıca on the Anatolian Side to Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park on the European Side. Swimmers proceed with the Bosphorus current behind them, reading the water conditions and using the Istanbul coastlines as guides. To ensure swimmers remain on the correct route, guidance flags are displayed on official judge boats along the course, and a lead boat guides the swimmer group. Additionally, checkpoint markers are placed at specific intervals along the course to help swimmers track their position.

Water safety and rescue operations are conducted by inflatable boats equipped with fully trained personnel. Over 100 escort boats accompany swimmers along the entire course. Swimmers experiencing discomfort or emergency situations must raise their hand or remove their cap and wave it to signal for help from the nearest safety boat. The overall coordination and water operations of the race are carried out through collaboration between the Istanbul Governorship, Coast Guard Command, Coastal Security General Directorate, Istanbul Police Department Maritime Ports Branch and 31 other stakeholder institutions. The official completion time for the race is limited to two hours after the last swimmer enters the water. After this time, the commodore orders the evacuation of the water, and swimmers who have not finished are retrieved by boats and transported to Cemil Topuzlu Park. Swimmers who fail to comply with the "exit the water" command are disqualified.

The finish line at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park is equipped with high-visibility signage and flashing lights to help swimmers easily locate it. The arrival platform consists of floating docks with vertical ladders and covered with RFID magnetic mats. When swimmers climb the ladders and step onto the magnetic mat, the interaction between their wristband chips and the mat officially records their completion time. Swimmers who do not step on the finish mat are considered to have not completed the race and will not receive a certificate or award. To ensure continuous flow, swimmers must vacate the platform immediately after finishing.

Swimmers who complete the race return their chip-equipped wristbands at designated drop-off tables to receive their finish kits. Swimmers who fail to return their chips will not receive finish kits. Upon exiting the platform, participants are offered energy snacks provided by Ülker and water provided by sponsor Pınar. After the race, swimmers may access the swimmer area, which includes changing rooms, showers, restrooms and rest zones. Participants can track their individual results on LED screens within the area. Swimmers who successfully complete the race can print their digital participation certificates by logging into their personal accounts on the official race website after the event. Certificates are not issued to those who fail to complete the race or are disqualified. Swimmers who place in the top three in their category and qualify for awards must remain at the finish area and approach officials to claim their prizes.

A comprehensive waste management plan is implemented to minimize environmental impact during the race. Participants are expected not to litter the environment with items distributed to them such as caps, single-use slippers and beverage packaging, and to dispose of these wastes in recycling bins placed at multiple locations throughout the Kuruçeşme event area. All recyclable waste including glass, metal, plastic, paper/cardboard and composite materials is collected with the support of the Waste Management Branch Directorate and İSTAÇ A.Ş. and sent for recycling. Environmental benefits from recycling are shared with the public via the official race website after the event. It is emphasized that recycling every 100 tons of paper and cardboard saves an amount of water equivalent to the volume of an Olympic swimming pool.

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The competition began at 10:00 on 23 August 2026 with a start from Kanlıca Ferry Pier. The start was given by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Aşkın Bak. The course, spanning 6.5 kilometers, was designed to follow the current dynamics of the Bosphorus and conclude at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park. To ensure a safe racing lane, the Bosphorus was closed to international maritime traffic in both directions between 08:00 and 13:00.

Following the disappearance of Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov during the 37th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim last year and the subsequent recovery of his body five months later off the coast of Beşiktaş Kuruçeşme, security measures for the 38th edition were elevated to the highest level. The technical and physical measures implemented include:

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• Individual Tracking and Buoy System: Each participant was issued a safety buoy and a tracking chip attached to the wrist or ankle, enabling real-time monitoring of swimmers’ positions in the water.
• Aerial Surveillance: The movement of swimmers along the course was monitored from the air using drone cameras.
• Security Fleet: A security fleet of 79 vessels was assembled under the coordination of the Coast Guard Command, General Directorate of Security (Marine Police), General Directorate of Coastal Security (KEGM), and Gendarmerie. Of these, 64 vessels were directly assigned to close protection, monitoring, and rescue operations for the swimmers.
• Intervention and Support Teams: Jet skis, boats, referee vessels, and guide boats were stationed to provide immediate response to potential emergencies. A support team of 20 rowing canoes and 40 rowers was deployed along the Asian side inner lane to continuously monitor swimmers. Additionally, 15 referee boats were positioned at fixed points along the entire course.
• Medical Services: Ambulances on land and sea, along with medical teams, were on standby throughout the competition to respond to any medical emergencies.

Following the completion of the competition, awards were presented to the ranked athletes during an official ceremony held at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park. The overall rankings were as follows:

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1. Su İnal: Completed the race in first place with a time of 54 minutes and 54 seconds (54:54). With this victory, Su İnal achieved her second consecutive win in the event.
2. Ece Güven: Finished in second place with a time of 55 minutes and 30 seconds (55:30).
3. Gökçe Öztürk: Secured third place with a time of 56 minutes and 21 seconds (56:21).

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1. M. Y. Selim Oğuz: Finished first with a time of 51 minutes and 13 seconds (51:13).
2. Doğukan Ulaç: Came in second with a time of 52 minutes and 3 seconds (52:03).
3. Mark Shrom: Placed third with a time of 52 minutes and 39 seconds (52:39).

The event was organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TNOC), under the coordination of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye, the Istanbul Governorate, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and the Turkish Swimming Federation. A total of 31 public institutions, civil society organizations, and sponsors contributed to the process.

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The following official representatives attended the competition and award ceremony in person:

• Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak (Minister of Youth and Sports)
• Av. Doç. Dr. Safa Koçoğlu Gürsoy (Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports)
• Ünal Kılıçarslan (Deputy Governor of Istanbul)
• Zeynep Neyza Akçabay (Deputy Secretary General of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality)
• Antonio Silva (President of European Aquatics)
• Erkan Yalçın (President of the Turkish Swimming Federation)
• Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Çakır (President of TNOC)
• Seyda Dursun (Representative of the Istanbul Directorate of Youth and Sports)

The event was broadcast live by TRT Spor Yıldız channel.

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The 38th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim this year adopted the theme “Strokes for Zero Waste: From the Bosphorus to COP31,” highlighting environmental action and sustainability. Zero-waste practices were promoted at the event site, single-use plastic consumption was reduced, and awareness campaigns on recycling and waste segregation were conducted. The initiative’s call for clean waters, healthy seas, and climate action, launched in the Bosphorus, aims to reach the COP31 summit scheduled for November in Antalya.